Procedures | Cross-linking

Cross-linking for
Keratoconus

Cross-linking for Keratoconus in Kansas City

Corneal collagen cross-linking is a non-invasive procedure that combines the use of ultra-violet (UV) light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops. The treatment shortens and thickens the collagen fibers and creates new collagen cross-links, resulting in stiffening and strengthening of the cornea.

Who is a Candidate for
Corneal Collagen Cross-linking?

This treatment is reserved for patients diagnosed with Keratoconus, a corneal disease that occurs when the normally round-shaped cornea becomes weak and progressively thin, causing a cone-like-bulge to develop. Patients affected by the condition experience reduced visual function with symptoms

worsening as the disease progresses. If left untreated, a corneal transplant may be required. Cross-linking is a safe, effective treatment designed to halt progression of the disease and preserve visual acuity.

Vision Correction
After Cross-linking

It is important to understand that corneal collagen cross-linking is not a refractive vision correction procedure. Most patients can expect to still need glasses and/or contacts to correct their vision following Cross-linking for Keratoconus in Kansas City.

The cornea may continue to change for many months. During this time, many patients require new glasses or contacts to accommodate the changing shape. Future vision correction can be discussed with your surgeon once corneal stabilization has occurred.

The Corneal Collagen
Cross-linking Treatment Process

Plan to be at our surgery center for up to 2 hours to allow time for pre and post-operative testing and instructions.

You will need to have a driver on the day of surgery.

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    Step 1

    Pre-operative preparations

    Several tests will be repeated to verify measurements. An optional mild sedative is offered to patients and anesthetic eye drops are applied to numb the eye. A small, gentle eyelid holder is placed between your eyelids so you don’t have to worry about blinking during the procedure.

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    Step 2

    Prep the cornea

    A solution will then be applied to the cornea to help the surgeon remove the epithelium (the top layer of cornea).

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    Step 3

    Treatment

    Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) eye drops are instilled at determined intervals until the corneal tissue is saturated. During treatment, an ultra-violet (UVA) light is turned on and additional riboflavin drops are instilled.

Cross-linking Recovery

Cross-linking for Keratoconus in Kansas City is performed on one eye at a time. Though this is typically 3-6 months apart, it is not uncommon for the timespan to be a year. During this time, a surgeon will closely monitor changes in the corneal shape and vision. After the procedure, this is what to expect.

1 Day – 1 Month: Expect suboptimal vision for the first month following Cross-linking for Keratoconus in Kansas City, during which a contact lens is NOT worn in the surgical eye.

1 – 3 Months: Vision gradually improves back to baseline as corneal remodeling and healing occur; referral for contact lens fitting may occur during this time, or the patient may return to prior contact lens wear.

3 – 12 Months: Stabilization and improvement of corneal shape, with continued exams to monitor for improvements in visual acuity and quality.

1 Year+: Corneal remodeling may continue to occur and stabilization will be followed with exams every 6-12 months

Is Corneal Collagen
Cross-Linking
right for you?

Find out through our signature
Advanced Ocular Analysis

The first and most critical step in determining candidacy for a procedure is to schedule a complimentary Advanced Ocular Analysis, or AOA.

Going above and beyond a traditional LASIK screening, the AOA sets the foundation for exceptional visual outcomes with each patient’s long-term needs in mind.

Step 1
Examine the health of your eye

When it comes to refractive surgery, a routine eye exam or LASIK screening may ignore details that are critical to your outcomes. For this reason, Durrie Vision developed the AOA. Featuring the most advanced combination of diagnostic testing available today, the AOA uses cutting-edge technologies to provide a three-dimensional visualization and analysis of the entire ocular system.

Next Step
Step 2
Meet with a refractive surgeon

During the AOA, you will meet with one of our experienced refractive surgeons directly to discuss your results along with their recommendations. This is a unique component of the experience that provides an additional level of comfort and trust.

Next Step
Step 3
Recommend a treatment plan

After your exam, we’ll share with you an in-depth analysis of your eyes, taking all the time necessary to explain what the evaluation revealed. You will leave with a comprehensive report of everything we discussed along with any recommendations for treatment, cost, financing, and recovery time.

Start Over

Testimonials

  • McKensie Dopps

    “The quality of my life after LASIK is SO significant that I would’ve paid double or even triple the amount because it’s truly that incredible. Thank you, Durrie Vision for forever changing my life!!!”

  • Bill Self

    “I had a great experience at Durrie Vision, they are first class all the way. The attention I received made me feel like I can send anyone there. It is such a difference for me from an activity and coaching standpoint not to have to worry about dealing with contacts each and every minute.”

  • Laura Chambers

    “Durrie Vision has changed my life for the better. I have a WOW moment every day…from opening my eyes in the middle of the night and realizing I can see without my glasses, to being able to be ready for a run in 5 minutes in the morning…it’s always WOW! I am forever grateful for Dr. Stahl and his amazing staff.”

  • George Brett, MLB Hall of Famer

    I went to have coffee with a friend before my one day post-op visit, and told him I could read the newspaper that morning without my reading glasses!

  • Slimfast

    “Getting LASIK at Durrie Vision was one of the best things I’ve ever done. After being in glasses and contacts for most of my life, being able to see without them is amazing. In fact, I can see better than I ever did before. My biggest regret? That I put it off for so long.”

  • Hai Chen

    “The experience and applied research expertise at Durrie Vision inspired great confidence in the process. For myself, the entire process was informative, quick, and painless with minimal recovery period required.”

  • Lucy Delsarto

    “After Refractive Lens Exchange, my vision is incredibly sharp. Think of an HDTV vs. an older model. You often get so accustomed to what you see that you don’t realize what you are missing until you see it.”

  • James Bridgeford

    “I don’t believe my eyes have ever gotten such great care and consideration. Durrie Vision is known worldwide, and I feel very fortunate to be in Kansas City and be treated by Dr. Lindquist and the Durrie team. I was impressed with my entire experience – top-notch care and treatment from a team of people who made me feel special every time I saw them.”